American Workers Don't Trust Their Bosses

Americans don't trust their bosses, according to new research. Poor communication, lack of perceived caring, inconsistent behavior and perceptions of favoritism were among the reasons respondents cited in a recent survey gauging trust — or lack thereof — in employees' senior leaders.

According to the poll, 25 percent of employees report having less trust in management than they did last year. Only 10 percent of employees trust management to make the right decision in times of uncertainty and only 14 percent believe their company’s leaders are ethical and honest. In addition, the poll found that only 12 percent of employees believe their employer genuinely listens to and cares about its employees , and only seven percent of employees believe senior management’s actions are completely consistent with their words, according to the survey conducted by Maritz Research, which specializes in employee satisfaction research.

“Employee trust is such a critical factor for success, especially given what the American work force has faced the past several years. This data paints such a dire picture of employee trust levels, management must ask themselves how they can better engage with their people,” said Rick Garlick, senior director of strategic consulting and implementation at Maritz Research Hospitality Group.

“Every employee is unique. The sooner management realizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement doesn’t work, the sooner they’ll start earning the trust of their people and driving business growth,” said Garlick.

Jeanette has been writing about business for more than 20 years. She has written about every kind of entrepreneur from hardware store owners to fashion designers. Previously she was a manager of internal communications for Home Depot. Her journalism career began in local newspapers. She has a degree in American Studies from Rutgers University. Follow her on Twitter @jeanettebnd.